Cheryl Burke, the 41-year-old professional dancer and television personality best known for her work on Dancing With The Stars, has spoken candidly about her personal journey following her 2022 divorce from actor Matthew Lawrence, to whom she was married from 2019 until their legal separation was finalized in September of that year.
In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Burke addressed the topic of her post-divorce celibacy, stating that she has embraced a period of self-reflection and physical autonomy. “I touch myself all the time,” Burke disclosed, adding, “It’s great. We are good to go. There’s no emotional baggage that comes with it.”
Her remarks were made in the context of a broader conversation about self-care, emotional well-being, and the benefits of solo intimacy absent of external attachments or psychological complications.
Cheryl Burke has publicly addressed her current relationship status and the personal growth she has experienced following the dissolution of her marriage to actor Matthew Lawrence.
In a recent interview, Burke stated that her dating life remains minimal at this time, as she is “still in the process of healing.” When asked what circumstances might bring an end to her current celibacy, she responded succinctly, “Probably actually dating,” further clarifying, “I’m no casual person. I also need to first not be a bad picker, period. If it happens, it happens.”
The professional dancer went on to articulate the shifts in her personal values and relationship expectations, remarking, “I no longer chase chaos dressed as fun. I no longer tolerate connections that require me to abandon myself. And I no longer mistake numbness for peace.”
Burke and Lawrence initially met in 2006. Their relationship began in 2007 but ended in 2008. The pair rekindled their romance in 2017, and in 2018, Lawrence proposed. They were subsequently married in May 2019 during a private ceremony held in San Diego.
However, after three years of marriage, Burke filed a petition for dissolution of marriage in February 2022, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the basis for the separation. The divorce was finalized in September 2022.
Following the public disclosure of her divorce proceedings, Cheryl Burke issued a statement acknowledging the difficulty of sharing such personal developments, while simultaneously requesting privacy. She stated:
“I know I have always said that I’m an open book with you guys—I do strive to be—and in writing this I’ve realized there isn’t really an easy way to announce that my marriage is ending. I hope you can understand that I will not be commenting any further at this time and am asking for understanding and privacy. Thank you all for all the kind words & support you’ve given me.”
In a subsequent interview on the Amy and T.J. podcast, Burke reflected on the dissolution of her marriage to Matthew Lawrence, offering additional insight into the dynamic of their relationship. She noted, “I learned that you can’t buy love,” clarifying, “I didn’t buy my ex-husband, obviously, but I definitely would say I was the breadwinner. I supported us, and I don’t think it’s black and white. It made me feel good, but then it didn’t necessarily make the relationship good.”
Matthew Lawrence, an actor recognized for his roles in productions such as Mrs. Doubtfire and Boy Meets World, has since been romantically linked to singer Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, a member of the musical group TLC.
Despite her previous marital challenges, Burke expressed in a 2023 interview with Entertainment Tonight that she remains open to the prospect of remarriage, stating, “I totally would get married again.”
In a recent public statement, Cheryl Burke candidly acknowledged the importance of time and personal growth following her divorce from actor Matthew Lawrence. She remarked:
“I mean, I know we should probably go from like meeting somebody first, not like straight to the altar, but our time is limited on this planet.”
Subsequently, in July, Ms. Burke marked a significant personal milestone: the celebration of seven years of sobriety. To commemorate the occasion, she shared a series of reflections via her official Instagram account. One slide read:
“7 years sober. And not one thing I thought I’d miss is worth going back for. If you’re struggling: there is another way. I promise you, it’s beautiful.”
Accompanying the post was a written message directed at her supporters, in which she reflected on the transformative nature of her journey:
“Seven years ago, I thought sobriety would mean losing everything—the fun, the freedom, the fearless version of me I thought only showed up after a drink. But what I didn’t realize back then was that the escape I craved was really from myself. And the girl I ran from? She was the one waiting to save me.”
Ms. Burke, who has appeared in 26 seasons of Dancing With the Stars, further elaborated on her changed perspective and evolving values:
“I no longer chase chaos dressed as fun. I no longer tolerate connections that require me to abandon myself. And I no longer mistake numbness for peace. What I thought I’d miss in sobriety was never real to begin with.”
She concluded by offering encouragement to others navigating similar struggles:
“If you’re reading this and wondering if it’s possible—I promise you, it is.”#newsafro_
